By Jim Jeltema
Fresno Pacific head baseball coach Oscar Hirschkorn has won his 500th game in charge of the Sunbirds. The historical milestone moment was a result of an 8-1 victory Saturday night over Hawai'i Hilo.
"Oscar's 500th win is a testament to his unwavering dedication, hard work, and the countless lives he's shaped since founding the program," said FPU Director of Athletics Kyle Ferguson. "He is such a kind and humble leader, guiding young men with wisdom, integrity and a deep love for Christ. While his impact reaches far beyond the field, this milestone is a concrete example of all he has accomplished."
Hirschkorn's first game as Fresno Pacific head baseball coach was on January 27, 2006, an 11-1 victory over Patten University. In the 19 seasons since, he's coached 48 all-conference players, four conference/region pitchers of the year, two region players of the year, eight All-Americans, two national Gold Glove winners and one Major Leaguer. Hirschkorn has developed 15 players who made it to the professional ranks, including eight players selected in the MLB Amateur Draft. FPU baseball made its postseason debut in just its third season as a program (2008) with Hirschkorn being named conference coach of the year.
Before joining the NCAA Division II, FPU qualified for four straight NAIA Championship Opening Round appearances from 2008-2011 under Hirschkorn's leadership and was ranked in the NAIA Top 25 for four consecutive years. In 2009—just its fourth season—the Sunbirds reached the NAIA World Series, finishing fifth in the nation. Hirschkorn led the program to its first two NCCAA World Series titles in 2014 and 2015 as well as being named Coach of the Year both years.
He was also a key team member in FPU’s Dan Martin Stadium and clubhouse project, providing valuable insight and leadership in the creation of FPU Baseball's new home.
The win is not only the 500th for Hirschkorn, but also for the FPU baseball program. Currently in the 20th season of FPU baseball, the program holds an all-time .539 winning percentage with an overall record of 500-427-1, and a 317-297 (.524) in GSAC (NAIA) and PacWest (NCAA) conference play.
Before starting the FPU baseball program, Hirschkorn was a fixture in the Valley baseball community. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Reedley College and Caruthers High School, as well as head coach at Sanger High School where he inherited a team that had gone 4-23 the previous season. Three years later, he guided the squad to the school's first postseason appearance in 19 years.
As a pitcher, his playing career began at Kerman High School before playing for Reedley College, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Chico State. While at Chico State, Hirschkorn ranked among the top tier in the Northern California Athletic Conference in wins and was in the starting rotation on the school's first NCAA Division II National Championship team in 1997, a year in which the team compiled a 52-11 record. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1993 and again in 1994.
Hirschkorn was named GSAC coach of the year and region coach of the year in 2008, and NCCAA national coach of the year in 2014 and 2015. He holds his B.A. (1998) and M.A. (1999), both in Physical Education, from Chico State.
From all of us at Fresno Pacific, we congratulate Coach Oscar on this latest career and program accomplishment!
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